Disgraced former Thanet Council chief Sandy Ezekiel, jailed for 18 months in March for misconduct in public office over the purchase of property, has been ordered to pay £2,000 under a confiscation order.

The 59-year-old Tory businessman, who is serving his sentence in category D Ford Open Prison in West Sussex, sat casually dressed in the public gallery at Maidstone Crown Court today for the brief hearing.

Judge Martin Joy was told the figure was agreed between the parties.

Ezekiel, of Crow Hill, Broadstairs, was given 38 days to pay the amount or face 30 days imprisonment in default.

The prosecution said at the trial he “hid behind” his best friend to disguise the true nature of transactions when buying a house in King Street, Margate old town, and a derelict shop next door after using his influence to ensure the owners were persuaded to sell.

Ezekiel claimed he had only loaned the friend, Phillip Emanuel, 64, the money to buy the Thanet District Council-owned house near the seafront.

He denied four charges of misconduct in public office. Emanuel, formerly of Laleham Gardens, Margate, denied one charge of aiding and abetting.

They were convicted on all charges. Emanuel was given a 12-month suspended sentence.

Ezekiel resigned as council leader in March 2010 but remained a councillor.